Office/Division Program
TAP
Project Number
327
Category
Research Initiation Date (Award Date)
Research Performing Activity
Texas A&M Research Foundation
Research Principal Investigator
Dr. Roger Sassen
Research Contracting Agency
Description
This is a JIP designed to disseminate new information to address hazard concerns related to hydrates and to stimulate new research. Objectives of the research include: mapping gas hydrates in geophysical context across the Gulf of Mexico, and analyzing new samples of natural gas hydrate. The focus is on reservoir characterization, the effects of gas hydrates on sea floor stability, and on pipeline plugging and potential rupture.
Latest progress update
Gas hydrate and sediment samples were acquired from the Gulf of Mexico using research submersibles. Research cores containing gas hydrates were acquired during piston coring cruises. Intact gas hydrate samples and data were donated by energy companies. The project is now completed.